James, 56, died at 9:45 a.m. at a residence near Universal City, said Officer Esther Reyes, a Police Department spokeswoman.

"He died apparently of natural causes. We learned of his death after responding to a radio call," Reyes said.

After his big hit, James' fame began to fade as he became embroiled in legal problems and health troubles.

James was convicted in 1993 of assaulting two women. The first attack occurred in 1991 when he restrained and burned a young woman with a hot pipe during a cocaine binge at his house in West Hollywood. He was free on bail when the second assault occurred in 1992 in James' hotel room.

James was sentenced to more than two years in state prison.

In 1997, he released a new album, but a year later he suffered a stroke while performing at Denver's Mammoth Events Center, derailing a comeback tour.

When they say natural causes, it was most likely a heart attack or stroke, caused by permanent damage to his body from years of drug abuse. Technically there was nothing in his system when he died, so it was a natural death.

Originally posted by Tenken347When they say natural causes, it was most likely a heart attack or stroke, caused by permanent damage to his body from years of drug abuse. Technically there was nothing in his system when he died, so it was a natural death.

Right. Brian Pillman technically died of natural causes, too.

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."---George W. Bush

Originally posted by Tenken347When they say natural causes, it was most likely a heart attack or stroke, caused by permanent damage to his body from years of drug abuse. Technically there was nothing in his system when he died, so it was a natural death.

Right. Brian Pillman technically died of natural causes, too.

Rick James having nothing in his system at the time of his death is even more shocking than natural causes.